Aklief (Trifarotene) - Topical

What Is Aklief?

Aklief (trifarotene) is a prescription topical medication used to treat acne vulgaris (pimples) in people 9 years and older. It is in a drug class called retinoids.

The cream works by peeling off dead skin, unclogging pores (tiny openings on the sin), and reducing inflammation. It also stops new acne from forming.

Aklief is available as a topical cream that you apply directly to the skin.

What Is Aklief Used For?

Aklief is used to treat pimples (acne vulgaris) in people 9 years of age and older. It also prevents clogged pores and prevents the development of new acne.

This medication is a topical cream that should only be used on the skin; it is not meant for internal use. Keep it away from the mouth, eyes, and vagina.

How to Use Aklief

Before applying Aklief to your skin:

• Cleanse and dry the skin.
• Wash your hands before and after use. However, if applying to your hands, do not wash your hand after using it.
• Press down on the pump to dispense cream. One pump may cover areas of the face while two pumps may cover larger surfaces like the chest or shoulders. Follow your healthcare provider's directions.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected area on the skin once daily in the evening.
• Rub in gently into your skin.

You may apply the medication to your forehead, chin, back, shoulders, or chest.

While using this cream, do not:

• Take it by mouth or apply it to your eyes, nose, corner of your nose, or lips.
• Use it vaginally.
• Apply to damaged, sunburned, cut, broken, or scraped skin.
• Apply to eczema.
• Wax the affected area. It may irritate the skin.

If you get Aklief in any of these areas, it may burn. Rinse it out well with water.

Using moisturizers as directed by your healthcare provider may reduce your chances of skin sensitivity. If your skin gets irritated, your healthcare provider may tell you to reduce how often you apply it or stop use altogether if your reaction is severe.

Additionally, do not use coverings (bandages or dressing) unless directed by your healthcare provider.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 F) away from heat. However, you may temporarily store the cream between cool and mildly hot (59 F to 86 F) temperatures. Keep Aklief out of reach of pets and children.

You can also ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the best ways to dispose of your medications. The FDA's website is a potentially helpful resource for where and how to discard all unused and expired drugs. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

What Are the Side Effects of Aklief?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Aklief may cause little or no side effects. However, skin reactions are common with this drug. Tell your healthcare provider if any of these side effects become bothersome or do not go away:

• Stinging, scaling, or burning skin
• Dry skin
• Skin redness

Photosensitivity is also possible, meaning the use of Aklief may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep this in mind when spending time outside and take steps to protect your skin from the sun.

Severe Side Effects

Aklief rarely causes severe side effects. It may cause sunburn due to increased photosensitivity or skin irritation. Skin irritations worsen during the first four weeks of drug use but decrease with continuous use.

Dosage: How Much of Aklief Should I Take?

Missed Dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is too close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing frequency. Do not apply extra or double the quantity.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Aklief?

Applying too much Aklief on your intact skin is rarely harmful. Still, wash off any excess cream on your skin with water. Trifarotene may cause harm if swallowed, so keep the cream out of reach of children and pets.

Precautions

What Other Medications Interact With Aklief?

There are no known significant interactions with Aklief.

What Medications Are Similar?

Medications similar to Aklief that are used to treat acne include:

• Retin-A (tretinoin)
• Tazorac (tazarotene)
• Differin (adapalene)
• Epiduo (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide)
• Isotretinoin
• Duobrii (halobetasol and tazarotene)
• Tri-Luma (fluocinolone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin)
• Ziana (clindamycin and tretinoin)
  

Depending on acne severity, treatment options may range from over-the-counter, like Differin, to prescription drug choices, like Ziana. In severe cases, healthcare providers may order isotretinoin, a powerful acne drug. Unlike Aklief, isotretinoin is a pill. Its use is restricted because it can be harmful to a developing fetus if used during pregnancy. All people on isotretinoin must be enrolled in a program known as iPledge.

This is a list of drugs also prescribed for acne. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Aklief. You should not take these drugs together. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Aklief?

Many people deal with acne, some worse than others. Acne can affect your confidence and self-esteem. It can be difficult to manage and may leave scars on your face. Acne medications like Aklief help to unclog pores and stop new pimples from forming.

Although generally safe, Aklief can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet rays. While using the cream, remember to:

• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or more daily
• Wear clothes that protect you from the sunlight
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps

If you find that your acne symptoms aren't improving, talk to your healthcare provider to see if other options might work better for you.